Skype Lessons

Along with my local students in the Tallahassee area, I conduct lessons via the Internet, through Skype™. This makes my piano, theory, and music history instruction and consulting services available worldwide. The idea came to me when one of my students moved to New York. Since we had been working as teacher and student for a number of years, the student did not want to have to find another instructor in a new city. It was then, that I decided to extend my successful teaching practice worldwide via the Web. At the present time, I have eager students receiving and requesting piano lessons in such diverse areas as Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, Iceland, Canada, mainland China, and Spain, as well as on the west coast of the United States.

The Internet provides an ideal way to learn to play a musical instrument in the privacy of your own home, without the added expense and inconvenience of travelling to lessons. For students who live in an area with no easy access to an instructor, those who are housebound, or those who lead a busy lifestyle, lessons via Skype™ is great answer. In addition, some students are simply more comfortable with a webcam lesson than having a lesson in person.

Skype™ lessons are scheduled at a mutually convenient time, and are just as effective as in-person lessons. Just like face-to-face lessons, they are matched to each student’s particular needs and desires, whether it be to follow a set course, learn to play by ear, improvise, or simply get help with a particular piece of music one wishes to learn.

Lessons over the Internet, are best suited for students who have had some previous piano instruction.

What is Skype™? Skype™ is a computer program that allows users anywhere in the world to make voice and video calls between computers, completely free of charge. You can click on the link below for more information about the program.

Can I use a platform other than Skype™? Yes, you can. Just let me know what your favorite program is.

I will provide all the teaching materials the student needs, and they will be sent before the lessons begin, via e-mail.

How does it Work? Email to let me know of your interest in Skype™ lessons. I will arrange to have a free test call and interview. During this first call (which will usually last between 15-20 minutes), I will ask you about your interests and goals as they relate to piano and music. You will also make sure that the connection is good, and all of the technical aspects, such as camera positioning, are taken care of.

Afterward, once you have agreed to a mutually convenient time for the lessons, I have received payment, and you have received the materials for lessons, I will call you, and lessons begin.

How do I make payments? If you live within the United States, you can set payments up on the bill payment option of your bank. I will provide you with the payment address after our initial meeting. If you do not use bill payment, personal checks drawn in a U.S bank in U.S. currency are also accepted. Payment is due at the beginning of each month, for the entire month. Please contact me for current rates.

If you live outside the United States, you may use money transfers into a bank account, or you may pay via PayPal™.

How can I best position my computer’s camera? This is something that will be covered during your first meeting. Generally speaking, a clear view of the entire keyboard is needed. I will need to see your hands, not your entire body most of the time. The camera can be positioned either to your right or your left, and should be about 4 feet from the ground. A bar stool, or a similarly high platform, sometimes aided by a stack of books, usually works great. Please refer to the picture below as an example of how the laptop may be positioned:

What other programs and services are available? I also offer AP Music Theory coaching, as well as practice, music theory, history and appreciation workshops for individuals and groups around the world via Skype™.

How much does it cost? Tuition varies depending upon time of the lesson/workshop, student level, and duration of the session. Please contact me for current dates.

Please note that neither Mr. Jaime Garcia-Bolao, nor KeyNotes Piano Studio, Inc., are in any way associated with Skype™ Inc., or Paypal™, Inc.